COWBOYS TOP BENGALS IN NFL HALL OF FAME GAME

The NFL preseason got underway on Saturday as the Dallas Cowboys faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals in the annual Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.  In a defensive struggle contested mostly by both teams’ reserves the Cowboys forced four turnovers to take a 16-7 win.  David Buehler kicked three field goals for Dallas, who also added a Brandon Sharpe interception return for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.  The Bengals were shut out until the final minute of the game when Jordan Palmer hit Darius Hill on a one yard touchdown pass.

NFL football betting enthusiasts who took Dallas as +3 point underdogs cashed tickets with the outright victory.  The 23 combined points went well UNDER the posted total of 33.  The Cowboys led 6-0 at halftime, which made first half plays on Dallas and the UNDER a winner as well.  The Bengals dropped to a dismal 11-21 against the spread as preseason favorites since 1990, while Dallas improved to 18-21 ATS in that same timeframe.
Neither team was taking the result too seriously based on postgame comments.  Bengals’ receiver Chad Ochocinco fielded more questions about his garish gold shoes than his team’s stagnant offense.  Ochocinco said that the gold shoes were a tribute to the incoming Hall of Fame class:

"That's exactly what it was, how did you know? That's exactly why I did it."

Newly acquired Terrell Owens chimed in:

"Chad has so many different-colored shoes he is like a woman."

Cowboys’ coach Wade Phillips said that the early start to the preseason helps get the team ready for when the games count:

"The best thing about it is you see what you did and what you need to improve on."

Quarterback Tony Romo sounded a similar tone:

"You just have to continue to work on the things we've been doing through the offseason and in training camp. You're never sure until you get into a game-like mode, and some of the new stuff, it was nice to see it work out really well. It's a start. We have to build off of it, but we still have a ways to go, and we're on the way."

Dallas faces a quick turnaround to their home preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders.  The Cowboys are a -3’ point home favorite, with the total set at 34.  Cincinnati will also make their 2010 home debut against the Denver Broncos.  The Bengals are a -3’ home chalk with the total set at 33’.